The Denver Broncos are prepared to slap the franchise tag on Ryan Clady unless a long-term deal can be hammered out by March 4. Whatever method they use to lock down their starting left tackle, Clady isn't ready to take the field just yet.

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"There's no way I'm going to be in minicamps this year because I won't be ready shoulder-wise (even) if I do get a deal done by then," Clady said. "In other words, I'm planning for (shoulder rehab), so I'm not going to be there, regardless if I don't get a deal done still. Even if I get a deal done, my chances are I probably wouldn't do much in training camp. About that time, I should be just about 100 percent around July or August -- in that area."

The Broncos hold the leverage here, meaning Clady -- who has emerged as one of the better bookends in football -- is destined for the tag unless he accepts a cap-friendly pact.

"I don't think (the tag is) a sign of disrespect," Clady said. "I just think it's kind of part of the business. Am I okay with it? No. But it's not like I'm out on the streets right now. I know I will have a job at least for one more year so, I'm still good. I would like to have long-term security in Denver, but if I don't get anything done before the deadline then who knows."

The Broncos view this year's franchise tag as low-risk path to keeping a critical player in-house while getting a better sense of his durability post-surgery. It will be tough for Clady to get the deal he wants before next offseason.